Goal: Implement stricter penalties for illegal hunting to save the planet from a global warming disaster.

Scientists theorize that the illegal hunting of large animals, particularly frugivores like spider monkeys, tapirs, and toucans, indirectly relate to climate change. These animals aid in seed dispersal of large trees that store large amounts of carbon. Without these animals, large tree populations are dwindling, and the trees are no longer able to absorb carbon from our atmosphere, which impacts global warming. We need to take action to save both animals and people from the adverse effects of climate change by stopping illegal poaching and urging for stricter penalties for illegal hunters.

Overhunting in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil will likely reduce the numbers of several large tree species. When larger animals are hunted, they are unable to disperse seeds from massive fruit trees throughout the forest. Smaller trees that contain less wood density grow in place of these larger trees. Because smaller trees are not able to absorb as much carbon due to their size, the atmosphere gets hotter. As a result, temperatures around the planet also become warmer.

Scientists conclude that entire ecosystems need to be protected rather than just specific patches of the forest. This goal cannot be accomplished unless hunters are given stricter penalties for illegal hunting. Unfortunately, people caught hunting illegally are usually not arrested but are either required to perform some type of community service or to donate food to an organization.

Demand stricter penalties for illegal hunting practices be enforced in order to better protect Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and the planet from further damage caused by global warming. If we do nothing, the planet will keep getting hotter, and important plant and animal species will continue to die off.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Attorney General Adams,

Scientists have concluded that there is a direct correlation between overhunting and the lack of large trees growing in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, which directly affects climate change because these trees are able to absorb massive amounts of carbon. It is important that people who hunt illegally be given stricter penalties in order to save the planet from further consequences of climate change.

Large animals disperse giant fruit seeds throughout the forest, acting as pollinators for large trees. When there are not as many large animals in the forest because illegal hunting practices are utilized, less large tree seeds are dispersed. Smaller trees replace the larger trees, since smaller animals are only able to disperse seeds that are 12mm or smaller. Since these small trees are not able to hold as much carbon, the earth becomes warmer.

In order to combat these ill effects of climate change, many scientists believe that conservation efforts need to focus on helping to save entire ecosystems, instead of only trying to preserve specific sections of the forest. However, this goal cannot be accomplished unless people who use illegal hunting methods are given harsher legal penalties.

Therefore, I encourage you to advocate for stricter penalties for those found guilty of illegal hunting, rather than simply allowing hunters to do community service or donate food to make up for their actions. If more is not done to help these animals, the forest and our earth will suffer in the long run.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Deyvid Setti

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